If you’ve been injured on the job, a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you get the benefits you need. But how soon after your work-related injury or illness can you—or should you—file a claim?
The short answer is that you can file your claim as soon as you’re injured or become ill—and you should. If you delay filing, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier might be able to deny your benefits. This is because a long delay can be a sign of a fraudulent claim.
If your illness or injury developed over time, things can be more complicated. For example, mesothelioma and carpal tunnel syndrome don’t just appear suddenly, as they’re the result of continuous and cumulative traumas. In this case, you should file your claim as soon as you either take time off work because of the condition or consult a doctor about it. You should also file as soon as you either know or strongly suspect that the condition was caused by your work.
Make sure to notify your employer and file a formal claim. Include the date, time, and location where the injury occurred, as well as any other relevant details.
If you need help filing a claim or your initial claim was denied, call BurnetteLaw, LLC. Charlie Burnette is an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Rock Hill, SC and can help you determine how to move forward and get the compensation you deserve. Call today and schedule your free initial consultation.